Police Continue Search For Montco Man After Explosions, Fire

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — Police are continuing to search for a Montgomery County man after explosions and a fire ripped through several homes on Thursday, sparking a massive police response.

Police said that they still have not found the armed man who confronted code enforcement officers and police with a gun during the incident, which took place shortly before 1 p.m. on Cardin Place in Eagleville. However, they added in a statement that there is no longer any risk to public safety. A shelter-in-place order was lifted Thursday afternoon.

"Though we cannot confirm the suspect’s whereabouts at this time due to the severely damaged home, we do not believe there is reason for neighbors to be concerned," the Lower Providence Police Department said in a statement.

>>Explosions, Fire At Montco Apartments: Shelter-In-Place Lifted

Officials are continuing to investigate the scene Friday, and asked the public to avoid the area.

The exact cause of the explosions, and cause of the incident at large, remains unclear. Code enforcement officers arrived for a checkup when the man, who still has not been identified, brandished his firearm.

6ABC reports that neighbors said the man was "sad" and acting strange in the days leading up to Thursday, with surveillance footage capturing him digging in his yard with his bare hands at 2 a.m.

The three-alarm fire ripped through several homes in the early afternoon hours Thursday, leaving major damage behind. Police provided protection for firefighters while they battled the blaze from a slight distance.

The Red Cross assisted those displaced from area homes.

Only minor injury has been reported thus far. The victim was treated at a local hospital.